Interpretive Summary: Microencapsulated formulations of Codling Moth's sex pheromone have been developed that can be applied with standard orchard sprayers. However, the efficacy of these materials has been questioned. Studies were conducted that applied the sex pheromone in a smaller volume of water than used by the standard air blast sprayer. The low volume application deposited more microcapsules within the orchard canopy and was more effective in disrupting communication versus the standard air blast sprayer.

Technical Abstract:
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the deposition and effectiveness of a microencapsulatesd sex pheromone formulation for Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) in apple. The efficacy of two application techniques was evaluated in field trials with Checkmate® CM-F. Disruption of virgin female-baited traps was significantly greater in the low volume versus the air blast-sprayed plots. Levels of disruption in the air blast-sprayed plots were not different from untreated plots or plots where the sprayable sex pheromone was applied on the ground. A significant interaction occurred among the effects of spray method, canopy position, and leaf surface on microcapsule deposition. This interaction was likely due to the low rate of deposition of microcapsules on the undersides of leaves in the lower canopy with the low volume sprayer. The low volume sprayer deposited significantly more microcapsules in the upper canopy than the air blast sprayer. Significantly more microcapsules were deposited on the underside versus the top of leaves in the upper canopy with the air blast but not with the low volume sprayer.